Sean Doolittle sits forlornly in the A's dugout after Oakland's second consecutive postseason appearance ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Tigers.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Sean Doolittle sits forlornly in the A's dugout after Oakland's...

Image 2 of 56

A's pitcher Sonny Gray allowed three runs in five-plus innings to take the loss in Game 5.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's pitcher Sonny Gray allowed three runs in five-plus innings to...

Image 3 of 56

Members of the Tigers celebrate an ALDS Game 5 victory over the A's at the Coliseum for the second consecutive season. Detroit will meet Boston in the ALCS.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Members of the Tigers celebrate an ALDS Game 5 victory over the A's...

Image 4 of 56

Miguel Cabrera circles the bases after his fourth-inning blast over the left-field fence gave the Tigers the lead.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Miguel Cabrera circles the bases after his fourth-inning blast over...

Image 5 of 56

Prince Fielder is tagged out by Jed Lowrie after he was caught in a rundown in the second inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Prince Fielder is tagged out by Jed Lowrie after he was caught in a...

Image 6 of 56

Seth Smith walks back to the dugout after striking out in the second inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Seth Smith walks back to the dugout after striking out in the...

Image 7 of 56

Sonny Gray watches a pop foul in the second inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Sonny Gray watches a pop foul in the second inning. The Oakland...

Image 8 of 56

Sonny Gray pitches for the A's in the first inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Sonny Gray pitches for the A's in the first inning. The Oakland...

Image 9 of 56

Sonny Gray pitches for the A's in the first inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Sonny Gray pitches for the A's in the first inning. The Oakland...

Image 10 of 56

Miguel Cabrera and Torii Hunter celebrate Cabrera's fourth inning homerun. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Miguel Cabrera and Torii Hunter celebrate Cabrera's fourth inning...

Image 11 of 56

Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder celebrate Cabrera's fourth inning homerun. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Yoenis Cespedes hits the wall as the ball goes over the fence in left field on Miguel Cabrera's fourth inning homerun. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Yoenis Cespedes hits the wall as the ball goes over the fence in...

Image 13 of 56

Torii Hunter celebrates Miguel Cabrera's fourth inning homerun. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Yoenis Cespedes hits the ball hard but it was caught in centerfield in the second inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Yoenis Cespedes hits the ball hard but it was caught in centerfield...

Image 15 of 56

Miguel Cabrera rounds the bases as Sonny Gray returns to the mound after Cabrera hit a fourth inning homerun. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Miguel Cabrera rounds the bases as Sonny Gray returns to the mound...

Image 16 of 56

Prince Fielder is caught in a rundown in the second inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Prince Fielder is caught in a rundown in the second inning. The...

Image 17 of 56

Coco Crisp catches Miguel Cabrera's first inning pop fly. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Coco Crisp catches Miguel Cabrera's first inning pop fly. The...

Image 18 of 56

A's pitcher Bartolo Colon,(40) heads for the clubhouse after afternoon pre-game practice, as the Oakland Athletics prepare to take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's pitcher Bartolo Colon,(40) heads for the clubhouse after...

Image 19 of 56

A's pitcher Grant Balfour ,(50) finishes up practice before the start of the game, as the Oakland Athletics prepare to take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's pitcher Grant Balfour ,(50) finishes up practice before the...

Image 20 of 56

A's manager Bob Melvin keeps a watch on batting practice before the start of the game, as the Oakland Athletics prepare to take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

A's Eric Sogard, (28) signs autographs before the game, as the Oakland Athletics prepare to take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Eric Sogard, (28) signs autographs before the game, as the...

Image 22 of 56

A's Dan Otero, (61) in to pitch in the 6th inning with two runners on, as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Dan Otero, (61) in to pitch in the 6th inning with two runners...

Image 23 of 56

A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) is taken out in the 6th inning, as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) is taken out in the 6th...

Image 24 of 56

A's manager Bob Melvin takes out starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) in the 6th inning, with catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) is close by as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's manager Bob Melvin takes out starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54)...

Image 25 of 56

A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) gives up a two run home run in the 4th inning, as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) gives up a two run home run...

Image 26 of 56

A's manager Bob Melvin takes out starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) in the 6th inning, with catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) and Josh Donaldson, (16) close by as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's manager Bob Melvin takes out starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54)...

Image 27 of 56

A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) after giving up a two run home run in the 4th inning, to Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, (24)as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's starting pitcher Sonny Gray, (54) after giving up a two run...

Image 28 of 56

Detroit's Torii Hunter, (48) celebrate as he rounds second base after his teammate Miguel Cabrera, (24) hits a two run home run in the 4th inning, as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Detroit's Torii Hunter, (48) celebrate as he rounds second base...

Image 29 of 56

A's manager Bob Melvin watches from the dugout in the 6th inning, as the Oakland Athletics take on the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's manager Bob Melvin watches from the dugout in the 6th inning,...

Image 30 of 56

A's fans Soonbo Shin, of Albany and Eunice Kim, of Richmond show their support at the end of the game, as the Oakland Athletics lost to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's fans Soonbo Shin, of Albany and Eunice Kim, of Richmond show...

Image 31 of 56

A's players (l to r) Chris Young, Eric Sogard and Kurt Suzuki, as the Oakland Athletics lost to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's players (l to r) Chris Young, Eric Sogard and Kurt Suzuki, as...

Image 32 of 56

A's fan Matthew Merino, of Sunnyvale after the game as the Oakland Athletics lost to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's fan Matthew Merino, of Sunnyvale after the game as the Oakland...

Image 33 of 56

A's Seth Smith, (15) walks back to the dugout after he flied out in the ninth innnig with two runners to end the game, as Detroit celebrates the ALCS championship as the Oakland Athletics lose 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Seth Smith, (15) walks back to the dugout after he flied out in...

Image 34 of 56

A's catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) thanks the fans after the game, as the Oakland Athletics lost to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's catcher Stephen Vogt, (21) thanks the fans after the game, as...

Image 35 of 56

A's Seth Smith, (15) walks back to the dugout after he flied out in the ninth innnig with two runners to end the game, the Oakland Athletics lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Seth Smith, (15) walks back to the dugout after he flied out in...

Image 36 of 56

A's players in the dugout, (l to r) Stephen Vogt, (21) Chris Young, Sean Dolittle, (62) and Eric Sogard, (28) and as the Oakland Athletics lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Coco Crisp reacts to a strike call by homeplate umpire Tom Hallion in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Coco Crisp reacts to a strike call by homeplate umpire Tom Hallion...

Image 38 of 56

Craig Petey, left, and Carmen Guerrero, of Oakland, sit above the A's dugout dejected after the end of the game and the A's lost to the Tigers. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Craig Petey, left, and Carmen Guerrero, of Oakland, sit above the...

Image 39 of 56

Yoenis Cespedes reacts to getting hit by a pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Yoenis Cespedes reacts to getting hit by a pitch in the bottom of...

Image 40 of 56

Detroit's closer Joaquin Benoit, (53) gets the A's Seth Smith, (150 to fly out in the ninth to end the game, as the Oakland Athleticsn lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

The Detroit Tigers celebrate after defeating the A's to advance to the American League Champsionship Series. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The Detroit Tigers celebrate after defeating the A's to advance to...

Image 42 of 56

A's Coco Crisp, (4) after grounding out in the ninth inning talks to the home plate umpire about an ealier called strike while he was at bat, as the Oakland Athletics went on to lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Coco Crisp, (4) after grounding out in the ninth inning talks...

Image 43 of 56

Fans cheer Sean Doolittle as he leaves the field following the A's loss to the Tigers. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Fans cheer Sean Doolittle as he leaves the field following the A's...

Image 44 of 56

A's closing pitcher Grant Balfour, (50) tries to get the crowd fired up after he closed the top of the ninth inng, as the Oakland Athletics went on to lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's closing pitcher Grant Balfour, (50) tries to get the crowd...

Image 45 of 56

The Detroit TIgers celebrate their victory beating the Oakland Athletics 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

The Detroit TIgers celebrate their victory beating the Oakland...

Image 46 of 56

A's Seth Smith, (15) connects in the bottom of the ninth with two runners on a fly ball out that ended the game, as the Oakland Athletics lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Seth Smith, (15) connects in the bottom of the ninth with two...

Image 47 of 56

A's Jed Lowrie, (8) cekebrates after his doubles in the ninth inning, as the Oakland Athletics went on to lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Jed Lowrie, (8) cekebrates after his doubles in the ninth...

Image 48 of 56

A's Yoenis Cespedes, (52) was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the ninth, as the Oakland Athletics went on to lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Yoenis Cespedes, (52) was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the...

Image 49 of 56

Matthew Merino, 8, of Sunnyvale, sits above the A's dugout after the team's loss to the Tigers on Thursday. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matthew Merino, 8, of Sunnyvale, sits above the A's dugout after...

Image 50 of 56

A's Coco Crisp, (4) heads back to the dugout after grounding out in the bottom of the ninth inning, as the Oakland Athletics went on to lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

A's Coco Crisp, (4) heads back to the dugout after grounding out in...

Image 51 of 56

Yoenis Cespedes reacts to getting hit by a pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Yoenis Cespedes reacts to getting hit by a pitch in the bottom of...

Image 52 of 56

Tiger's Justin Verlander, (35) celebrates with closer Joaquin Benoit, (53) after the final out as the Oakland Athletics went on to lose to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 in game 5 of the American League Division Series at the O.co Coliseum on Thursday Oct. 10, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Tiger's Justin Verlander, (35) celebrates with closer Joaquin...

Image 53 of 56

The A's dugout watches as Coco Crisp bats in the bottom of the ninth. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The A's dugout watches as Coco Crisp bats in the bottom of the...

Image 54 of 56

Fans and teammates watch as Josh Donaldson walks back to the dugout after striking out swinging for the second out of the bottom of the ninth. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Fans and teammates watch as Josh Donaldson walks back to the dugout...

Image 55 of 56

A's fans react to the last few outs the team has in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

A's fans react to the last few outs the team has in the bottom of...

Image 56 of 56

Seth Smith reacts after he flew out to end the game against the Tigers. The Oakland Athletics played the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

When Miguel Cabrera finally ended his extra-base drought in the postseason, it had the air of finality to it - in just the fourth inning.

The A's couldn't put any kind of dent in Justin Verlander, as per usual in American League Division Series play, and for the second year in row, the Tigers ended Oakland's year, defeating the A's 3-0 in Game 5 on Thursday at the Coliseum. Detroit advances to the American League Championship Series against Boston.

"It's upsetting, two years in a row against the same guys," Oakland outfielder Josh Reddick said. "It's nerve-racking, especially when a guy has a perfect game in the sixth inning. That doesn't make it easier."

Cabrera banged a two-run homer to left off A's starter Sonny Gray in the fourth, and Detroit added a run on a groundout in the sixth. Gray, the A's prize rookie right-hander, incurred a broken bone in his left hand on a sharp grounder in the fifth and will get an MRI exam Friday.

Verlander, routinely hitting 96 to 97 mph with his fastball, didn't allow a hit until the seventh. He didn't give up a run in eight innings, extending his string of zeros against Oakland to 30 innings in a row, a postseason record for consecutive scoreless innings against one team.

Oakland has dropped six consecutive Game 5s.

"It's frustrating. We had a tremendous season and it would be great not to put ourselves in a Game 5 against Verlander again, but those are the cards we were dealt," A's left-hander Brett Anderson said. "It was a deja-vu situation."

Asked what the A's might do to change their postseason luck, A's third baseman Josh Donaldson said, "Not play Detroit again, I guess."

Detroit has claimed three consecutive postseason series against Oakland, including the 2006 ALCS; the A's have dropped nine of their past 10 postseason series overall.

The A's didn't get a runner off Verlander until the sixth, when Reddick walked with one out, and they didn't get a hit until the seventh, when Yoenis Céspedes singled with two outs. Céspedes has hit safely in all 10 postseason games in which he has played, the third longest postseason hitting streak in franchise history.

Reddick claimed the A's only other hit off Verlander.

"I've faced Verlander a lot, and that's the best I've ever seen him," Donaldson said. "He was throwing everything for strikes and when he elevates the fastball just above the strike zone, it's tough. The only time you're going to get to him is if he gets himself in trouble, and he didn't do that."

Verlander struck out 10 in his eight innings and he has 43 K's in his past four postseason starts and 31 innings against Oakland. He's allowed one run and 13 hits.

Given Verlander's dominance, it probably didn't matter all that much who opposed him on Thursday. Oakland's brain trust - the front office, manager Bob Melvin and pitching coach Curt Young - settled on Gray for the A's Game 5 starter, the more risky move than starting All-Star and veteran Bartolo Colon.

Early on, Gray looked much as he had in throwing eight scoreless innings in his postseason debut in Game 2, but in the fourth, Torii Hunter delivered the first hit of the game, a single to center. Cabrera then belted a 1-0 pitch out to left, his first homer of the postseason and just his third extra-base hit since Aug. 26.

Catcher Stephen Vogt blamed himself for calling an inside fastball, which Gray left over the plate.

"Sonny was great, just as good as advertised again" Vogt said. "One bad pitch to Cabrera, and that was probably my fault."

Gray broke a bone just below his left thumb fielding a comebacker by Fielder to end the fifth; he said that if there is ligament damage, he might need surgery.

Nevertheless, he came back out for the sixth.

"Sonny is a tough kid, that's all I've got to say," Vogt said. "That's him in a nutshell."

Gray allowed back-to-back singles by Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta to start the inning, and Dan Otero took over. Otero, reliable as ever, got two ground balls; the first, by Alex Avila, forced Peralta at second, and the second was a grounder to third by Omar Infante that appeared to be a potential double-play ball. Donaldson bounced the throw to second base, though, and Alberto Callaspo bobbled the transfer and couldn't get off a throw to first base.

"I didn't have a great grip and tried to get rid of it quick," Donaldson said. "Callo made a great play just to get the out."

Martinez scored on the play, and Otero finally got one last grounder, by Don Kelly, to end the inning.

The A's are now 1-12 in potential clinch games dating to the 1990 World Series.

"It's disappointing," first baseman Brandon Moss said. "Heartbreaking again. It feels like getting kicked in the stomach. But they won three, and they get to move on."